Russia is looking for ways to help Lebanon cope with the coronavirus pandemic - talks on supplies of the Sputnik V vaccine are going on at the state and commercial levels, Russian Ambassador in Beirut Alexander Rudakov told RIA Novosti.
"There is good progress - the relevant law has been passed, the Lebanese government has legalized the import and use of vaccines, including the domestic Sputnik V. We hope that the results of both state and commercial negotiations will help the Lebanese fight COVID-19 as soon as possible," Rudakov said.
The head of the Russian diplomatic mission noted that even in the difficult conditions of the pandemic the necessary work for the further development of Russian-Lebanese relations was not interrupted.
"It is difficult for everyone, it is not a secret. Nevertheless, Russia is looking for ways and opportunities to help. We were the first to offer Beirut to organize supplies of Russian anticoronavirus drugs," the Ambassador added.
On February 5, the Scientific Commission at the Lebanese Ministry of Health approved the use of the Russian Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine. Lebanese Foreign Minister Charbel Wahbe on Thursday asked the Russian government to provide 200,000 doses of the coronavirus vaccine as aid, the Lebanese Foreign Ministry press service reported on Thursday.
The country has seen a sharp increase in the number of coronavirus cases since the beginning of the year, as well as an increase in mortality among the sick. The Lebanese authorities attribute the worsening situation to the irresponsible attitude of the population to the measures recommended by the Ministry of Health, and the holding of mass events during the New Year holidays.
As part of the state of emergency, a curfew was maintained across the country from January 14 to February 8 with closing of all public and private enterprises, with the exception of hospitals. Grocery stores operated only on a delivery basis until 5 p.m. local time. As of Monday, authorities said the restrictions were being phased out.
The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in Lebanon has reached 321,980. In the past 24 hours, 2,063 new infections have been identified and 61 patients with COVID-19 have died in the past 24 hours. The country is home to 4.5 million local residents and 2 million Syrian and Palestinian refugees.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Zuma \ TASS
Based on materials from RIA Novosti